The Violence Crime Response Unit and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with other security agencies, successfully repelled an armed bandit attack on Imasa Matankari village, a remote hamlet bordering Zamfara State within Tureta Local Government Area.

All 25 cattle rustled during the assault were recovered, and no casualties were reported.

DSP Ahmad Rufai, Police Public Relations Officer, stated this in a statement on Wednesday and further stated that on June 2, 2026, at about 14:00 hours, a distress call was received that a large number of armed bandits had invaded Imasa Matankari village.

The assailants fired sporadically and rustled 25 cows belonging to local villagers.

Upon receipt of the information, OC VCRU, who was on heightened alert, immediately mobilised combined teams from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and personnel from the Army Forward Operating Base (FOB).

Security forces quickly blocked all exit routes from the village and engaged the bandits in a sustained gun duel.

After a fierce exchange, the operatives overpowered the hoodlums, forcing them to flee through the nearby Kuruwa Forest.

In their hasty retreat, the bandits abandoned all the stolen animals. All 25 rustled cows were recovered in full and have since been returned to their rightful owners.

Security forces have maintained an active vigilance posture in the area and are continuing search operations to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Members of the public are urged to remain calm and continue to provide timely information to security agencies to aid in the fight against banditry and kidnapping.